Looking to enter the DSLR market - wanted a step up from my point-and-shoot, but will use for typical home (ie. non-professional) applications. Was a little overwhelmed by the choices, but spoke with a friend who is a professional, and he recommended Canon because he had had great results with his Rebel XTi. My research quickly revealed that model is no longer available. However, I'm having trouble figuring out what the follow-on or replacement model would be. I'm finding names like Rebel XS or XSi or T3, and an EOS 1100D in the reviews, but having trouble translating that into finding something available on the retail sites? Can you straighten me out? Thanks.

It could be worse.In Japan these cameras are referred to as Kiss.So if you want to go with the original name, we should probably refer to all these cameras as Kiss cameras.Personally, I prefer the XXXD or Rebel moniker.The reason for different names is to call something by a label that would work better for the demographic you are selling to.Rebel is a brand name that has been built in North America for a long time, getting rid of it would probably cost some sales at this point.

BleuDragon is correct about the Rebel name being very recognizable in the USA market. It precedes digital cameras; name recognition is important in the USA market.

On the original topic, well, first, welcome to the forum! The XTi is still a quite capable camera. Its digital Rebel successors have added video capability, so consider that if video is important. I started serious digital photography with an XTi that my wife bought from a friend, and we still have it.